With the expansion, ARV is now available at the primary healthcare level, ensuring immediate and free treatment closer to patients' homes.

Punjab Expands Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination to Aam Aadmi Clinics, ensures timely initiation of treatment

The Punjab Government has expanded free Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) services to all 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state, significantly widening access to treatment for dog bite victims, officials said.

According to the Health Department, Punjab reports nearly three lakh dog bite cases annually. Earlier, ARV services were available at only 48 Primary Health Centres, often requiring patients to travel long distances and making it difficult for many to complete the mandatory five-dose vaccination schedule.

With the expansion, ARV is now available at the primary healthcare level, ensuring immediate and free treatment closer to patients’ homes.

Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Under the visionary leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is committed to protecting every life through accessible and affordable healthcare. With nearly 3 lakh dog bite cases annually, expanding Anti-Rabies Vaccination services to 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics is a critical public health milestone. By ensuring timely, complete treatment close to people’s homes, we are building a safer, healthier Punjab.”

The Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have collectively recorded over 4.6 crore outpatient visits and treat around 70,000 patients daily, form the backbone of the state’s primary healthcare system. Officials said the integration of ARV services ensures timely initiation of treatment and better compliance with the full vaccination schedule.

Over the past four months, an average of about 1,500 dog bite patients per month have reported to Aam Aadmi Clinics for treatment. The Health Department said that early reporting and improved follow-up have helped reduce delays in treatment and improve completion rates of the vaccination course.

The government said the move is aimed at preventing rabies, a disease that is fatal if left untreated but entirely preventable with timely vaccination, and at reducing the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.